It takes all blood types to help save lives

Whether someone is among the 39 percent of the U.S. population with type O positive blood or the 2 percent with B negative, the American Red Cross is looking for eligible donors of all types to give blood this summer to help avert a shortage.

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Montevideo American-News

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Posted Jul. 2, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Updated Jul 2, 2013 at 4:30 PM

Posted Jul. 2, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Updated Jul 2, 2013 at 4:30 PM

Whether someone is among the 39 percent of the U.S. population with type O positive blood or the 2 percent with B negative, the American Red Cross is looking for eligible donors of all types to give blood this summer to help avert a shortage.

Those with O negative, A negative and B negative are especially urged to donate, as their blood types are often in high demand because they can potentially be transfused to both Rh negative and positive patients. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient.

Vacations, activities and holidays contribute to a decrease in donations during the summer, but patients don’t get a break from needing blood. Visit the Summer of Stories campaign website, redcrossblood.org/summer, to make an appointment to donate, then share why you give blood and watch videos about people whose lives have been touched by donors.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Chippewa County

July 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kviteseid Lutheran Church, 308 N. Third St. in Milan, Minn.

Codington County

July 16 from 1-7 p.m. at County Fair Banquet Hall, 10 Second St. NE in Watertown, S.D.

Cottonwood County

July 16 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at Community Center, 1750 Cottonwood Lake Drive in Windom, Minn.

July 17 from 2-7 p.m. at Community Center, 1027 Second Ave. in Mountain Lake, Minn.

July 24 from 1-6 p.m. at Community Center, 510 Fifth St. in Westbrook, Minn.

July 17 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at University of Minnesota Oyate Hall, 600 E. Fourth St. in Morris, Minn.

July 18 from 1-7 p.m. at Community Center, 662 Sixth St. in Hancock, Minn.

July 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 401 Fifth St. West in Chokio, Minn.

Yellow Medicine County

July 22 from 1-7 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1094 Granite St. in Granite Falls, Minn.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.